Kevin Cardwell has been working in the trades for 30 years. In 2011 he started installing roller security shutters, motorized screens and boathouse doors. After installing hundreds of them, he realized he needed to focus on his branding, so in 2016 he launched Muskokify.
Muskokify sells and installs railings as well as screens, shutters and doors. The focus of the business is transforming outdoor spaces.
Q: What is the biggest challenge about what you do?
I love working with my clients to help them realize their goals and take control of their outdoor spaces, but I’d say our biggest challenge is sometimes just getting to sites.
Last December we were out boating in Georgian bay during a snow storm. Buses were cancelled, OPP were saying stay off the roads but we were out boating in 4-foot swells to get a job done for our client. While it’s a beautiful place in July and August, it was not an easy day for the guys.
Q: What’s one thing most home owners/cottagers should be doing, but aren’t?
Protect their investment. Some of our products really make a difference in protecting the property against intruders and storm damage, and with their energy savings they pay for themselves.
Q: What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen on the job?
One customer had a 1200 square foot wine room – that was impressive for a seasonal cottage. Another had a pool that was basically a couple of feet from the lake. They didn’t think the lake was warm enough but wanted the swim-in-the-lake feeling, so they told me. You really see some interesting things out there.
Q: What’s the most creative project you’ve ever worked on?
There was a house they called The Butterfly House. It was built with special windows to absorb passive UV rays to heat the home. We installed shutters to retain the heat at night and offer security. The shutters had to be perfectly sealed so there was no energy loss
Q: What industry advancement are you most excited to see in the coming year/two years?
In my industry it will be aluminum decking and siding. I carry Knotwood, which is an amazing alternative to using wood on a deck or dock as it never rots.
Overall though: autonomous vehicles. I can’t wait to hit a button after a long day’s work and have my truck drive me home.
Q: What’s your favourite way to spend off-work hours?
During the summer when I am off duty, I am spending time on the lake with my wife and son. I also coach soccer and I am involved with the local hockey association. I like to keep really busy in my off hours.
Q: What’s your favourite quote?
“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
We try to exceed expectations each day. Sometimes we fail. Those are our learning moments, but we are always moving in the right direction!
Q: Who’s one entrepreneur that inspires you most?
There are lots of amazing, successful entrepreneurs out there, but I would say Oprah has impressed me the most over my lifetime. Her determination and perseverance through her career to overcome obstacles as a black woman trying to make it in television back in the mid 1980’s was truly remarkable. And she is a very grounded person. I love hearing her talk about her first car, the Chevrolet Citation.
To contact Kevin or learn more about Muskokify, visit www.Muskokify.ca
